Fewer Injection Site Reactions in Patients Using Avonex Versus Sub-cutaneous Interferon and Glatiramer Acetate for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 11, 2009 - Data from an
observational phase IV study of 499 patients entitled The Swiss MS
Skin Project show that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients taking
AVONEX (interferon beta-1a IM) reported significantly fewer
injection site reactions (ISRs) compared to patients on
Betaferon® (interferon beta-1b),
Copaxone® (glatiramer Acetate) or Rebif
® (interferon beta-1a). The study also showed AVONEX
patients were less likely to have missed a dose due to an injection
site reaction in the four weeks prior to first assessment than
those patients on other interferon therapies. These data were
presented as a poster at the 25th Annual European
Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis
(ECTRIMS) meeting in Düsseldorf, Germany.

“This study showed that treatment with AVONEX leads to
fewer injection site reactions which is an important factor in
improving compliance. As the only once-weekly injection treatment,
AVONEX offers people with relapsing MS an easy-to-use and highly
effective treatment option,” said Dr. Karsten Beer, lead
investigator for the study and private neurologist in Wil,
Switzerland. "Convenience of an MS therapy is an important
consideration for patients, as they do not want a therapy that will
interfere with their daily lives.”

The Swiss MS Skin Project was designed to determine the
frequency of injection site reactions, including skin necrosis and
lipoatrophy, in patients taking AVONEX, Betaferon, Copaxone, or
Rebif (ABCRs). These data are important as ISRs are thought to
reduce treatment compliance among patients. The study enrolled
nearly 500 patients on ABCRs for a minimum of two years (mean
treatment duration of 5.9 years) and followed patients for a total
of one year. Study findings include:

No AVONEX patients missed a dose
in the four weeks prior to first assessment due to ISRs (vs 5.7%
for Betaferon [p = 0.44], 4.3% for Copaxone [p = NS], and 7.1% for
Rebif [p = 0.011]). These percentages were statistically
significant versus Betaferon and Rebif; and

Significantly more patients
remained on AVONEX over the one year trial (86.6% vs 79.7% for
Betaferon, 60.9% for Copaxone, and 83.2% for Rebif [overall p =
0.0364]) than any other treatment.

The poster describing the study entitled ˜An Evaluation of
Adverse Skin Reactions in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis on
Disease-Modifying Therapies' (P 787) is available for viewing on
September 11, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. local time.

About AVONEX® (interferon beta-1a)

Approximately 135,000 patients are on AVONEX therapy for
relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It was launched in the
U.S. in 1996 and in Europe in 1997 for the treatment of relapsing
forms of MS to slow the progression of disability and reduce
relapses. AVONEX has been proven effective in clinical trials for
up to three years. AVONEX is marketed internationally in more than
90 countries. AVONEX was the first treatment approved for patients
who have their first clinical MS attack and have MRI features
consistent with MS; this use was approved in Europe in 2002 and in
the U.S. in 2003.

Important Information about AVONEX

Indication

AVONEX is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing
forms of multiple sclerosis to slow the accumulation of physical
disability and decrease the frequency of clinical exacerbations.
Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been
demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical
episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple
sclerosis.

Important Safety Information about AVONEX

Potential serious side effects

AVONEX should be used with
caution in patients with depression or other mood disorders.
Patients treated with AVONEX should be advised to report
immediately any symptoms of depression and/or suicidal ideation to
their prescribing physician.

Rare cases of anaphylaxis have
been reported. Other allergic reactions have included dyspnea,
orolingual edema, skin rash, and urticaria.

Decreased peripheral blood
counts in all cell lines, including rare pancytopenia and
thrombocytopenia, have been reported from post-marketing
experience.

Severe hepatic injury, including
cases of hepatic failure, has been reported rarely in patients
taking AVONEX. Patients should be monitored for signs of hepatic
injury and caution exercised when AVONEX is used concomitantly with
other drugs associated with hepatic injury.

Precautions should be taken with the following

Caution should be exercised when
administering AVONEX to patients with pre-existing seizure
disorders.

Patients with cardiac disease,
such as angina, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmia, should be
closely monitored for worsening of their clinical condition during
treatment with AVONEX.

Routine periodic blood chemistry
and hematology tests are recommended during treatment with
AVONEX.

AVONEX is not recommended for
use in pregnant women. If a woman becomes pregnant or plans to
become pregnant while taking AVONEX, she should be informed of the
potential hazards to the fetus, and discontinuation of AVONEX
therapy should be considered.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects
associated with AVONEX treatment are flu-like symptoms, including
myalgia, fever, fatigue, headache, chills, nausea, vomiting, pain,
and asthenia.

Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.